TheBigO: Sophia, you’ve made me a very happy old man.
My laughter is explosive. “Oh my god, I remember that now.” Covering my mouth with my fingers, I glance up to see Oliver chuckling. “I was just teasing.”
“You’ll be thankful I’m not as young as I used to be tonight when you’re begging for mercy.” His strong palm moves between my thighs to squeeze my leg.
I like him touching me. Covering his knuckles with my fingertips, I trace the ridges and callouses, working my way up over his wrist to follow the thick veins of his forearm.
This has to be some sort of dream. My mind is playing tricks on me.
Wishful thinking?
Just above his elbow, I pinch his skin playfully.
“What was that for?” His caramel eyes widen.
“To see if I’m asleep.” Snuggling against him, I can’t resist pressing my lips to the pink spot I left.
His chest rumbles with a chuckle. “You know you’re supposed to do that to yourself to wake up.” But then he catches my hand in his powerful grip. “Don’t, though. I don’t want this to end.”
Pulling my fingers to his mouth, he sprinkles the tips with peppered kisses.
Fuck.
This man really is perfect. And he’smine.
Spinning the steering wheel, he turns us down a gravel road just minutes from Black Gulch.
“You live this close?” Everything that’s held me back was thinking he lived in Oregon.
“Mmhmm. Now you do, too. I’ll let you decide where you want to keep Misty. I have plenty of room in the barn with mine.” He dips his head in the direction of an expansive red barn. Cows and horses wander the pasture near it, nibbling on the first blades of spring grass.
Passing it reveals a huge metal building where the bay door sits open.
Construction equipment of every shape and size is parked in rows inside.
I had no idea the size of his business.
A bend in the road brings us through a thick grove of tall pines.
“Soph?” His voice cracks. “Welcome home, baby.” He pulls us into a looped driveway and stops at a covered porch that wraps a long brick house.
“It’s like something out of a magazine,” I exhale when he reaches in for me. “Look at the wagon wheels!”
They look antique leaning against a split rail fence.
He tugs me to him, carrying me against his chest like he did a few weeks ago when I was sick.
I don’t feel guilty about the warmth from his embrace now.
“Doing this, it’s like we’re married,” I giggle as he pushes open the door.
He grunts with a smile. “I told your dad we were going to be.”
“No,” I gasp. “You didn’t?”
“He didn’t believe me.” He shrugs. “But I don’t make a habit out of lying.” Setting me on my feet, he turns me so my back presses against him and wraps his arms around my belly.
I didn’t expect vaulted ceilings. It’s so spacious inside, the outside is deceiving.
